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Danville Otterbots

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Danville Otterbots
Information
LeagueAppalachian League
LocationDanville, Virginia
BallparkAmerican Legion Field
Founded2021
League championships1 (2024)
Division championships1 (2024)
ColorsBlue, black, orange, gray, white
         
Retired numbers34 (Wendell Scott)
42 (Jackie Robinson)[1]
OwnershipRyan Keur
ManagerDesi Relaford
General ManagerAustin Scher
WebsiteOfficial website

The Danville Otterbots are a summer collegiate baseball team of the Appalachian League. They are located in Danville, Virginia, and play their home games at American Legion Field.

History

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Previous Danville teams

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From 1993 to 2020, Danville, Virginia, hosted the Danville Braves. On September 3, 2006, Danville won their first Appalachian League championship, defeating the Elizabethton Twins, two games to one, in a best-of-three series. On September 3, 2009, the Braves won their second Appalachian League championship, again defeating Elizabethton, this time two games to zero.

Collegiate summer team

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In conjunction with a contraction of Minor League Baseball beginning with the 2021 season, the Appalachian League was reorganized as a collegiate summer baseball league, and the Danville Braves were replaced by a new franchise in the revamped league designed for rising college freshmen and sophomores.[2] The new team became known as the Danville Otterbots.[3]

Ballpark sensory room

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In April 2022, the Otterbots held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Luca's Place, their Ballpark Sensory Room.[4] They became the first team in Appalachian League history to have a sensory room inside their gates, joining less than 15 other ballparks across the country with such a feature.

Awards and recognition

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Following the Otterbots' inaugural season, they were named Danville's Favorite Family Fun Spot by Showcase Magazine readers.[5] Following the 2022 season, General Manager Austin Scher was named Appalachian League Executive of the Year.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Weiss, Elias. "Otterbots retire No. 34 to honor legacy of Wendell Scott".
  2. ^ "MLB, USA Baseball Announce New Format for Appalachian League". Major League Baseball. September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  3. ^ McClung, Andrew (March 16, 2021). "Danville baseball team introduces new name". wdbj7. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  4. ^ Thomas, Pat. "Danville Otterbots open ballpark sensory room, expand inclusivity".
  5. ^ "Showcase Magazine February 2022".
  6. ^ "Austin Scher named Appalachian League Executive of the Year". Appalachian League.